Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 8027

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Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Jan on July 21, 1999, at 11:38:56

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Victor, posted by JohnL on July 18, 1999, at 8:06:31

I have been off celexa (Again) for 7 days now and all is well mentally. It's only when you stop taking it you realise some of the side effects. On celexa I could last all day without peeing...lol I wonder if this is part of the weight gain thing, as in fluid retention? My short term memory still isnt back to normal yet and I am having trouble sleeping, the only other thing I am experiencing is restless legs, like mild cramps that are worse when I am in bed, anyone else have this type of withdrawel symptom?
stay safe :)

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Roo on July 21, 1999, at 13:12:10

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on July 21, 1999, at 11:38:56

My dad definately had trouble sleeping when he
went off celexa. And now that you mention it,
I had the restless leg thing--I wouldn't have
connected it to celexa, but I guess it probably was
since I haven't had it since...and the peeing
thing too--I drink LOTs of water, and I didn't pee
as much. Definately felt bloated on celexa.

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by mme_l on July 30, 1999, at 11:14:23

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Roo on July 21, 1999, at 13:12:10

> My dad definately had trouble sleeping when he
> went off celexa. And now that you mention it,
> I had the restless leg thing--I wouldn't have
> connected it to celexa, but I guess it probably was
> since I haven't had it since...and the peeing
> thing too--I drink LOTs of water, and I didn't pee
> as much. Definately felt bloated on celexa.

Hi All,

Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?

L

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Brian on August 1, 1999, at 9:43:00

In reply to Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on June 29, 1999, at 22:40:00

You all have me very curious now. I have just recently started Celexa (4 days now) and already feel much better than before. I didn't even realize I was "depressed" until now. I had problems ever waking up in the morning. I was concerned about being late for work too often, so I went to my doctor. After several tests, he started me on Celexa. He claimed it had less side effects than any alternatives.

I am surprised to hear your ill fortunes. From what I gathered from this discussion, Celexa causes sexual dysfunction and headaches. What other "goodies" await?

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Jan on August 1, 1999, at 10:13:47

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by mme_l on July 30, 1999, at 11:14:23

> Hi All,
>
> Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
>
> L

L
I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.

Jan

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by mme_l on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:33

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on August 1, 1999, at 10:13:47

> > Hi All,
> >
> > Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
> >
> > L
>
> L
> I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.
>
> Jan


I had the sexual side-effects for a month, but they subsided! I had to cut my dose down, though; matter of fact, it took me a long time to get used to the stuff. I started in small increments. I've been on the stuff for five months now, and no more problems. I feel great!

Good luck to all!

mme_l

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Robert on August 10, 1999, at 19:53:22

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Brian on August 1, 1999, at 9:43:00

> You all have me very curious now. I have just recently started Celexa (4 days now) and already feel much better than before. I didn't even realize I was "depressed" until now. I had problems ever waking up in the morning. I was concerned about being late for work too often, so I went to my doctor. After several tests, he started me on Celexa. He claimed it had less side effects than any alternatives.
>Hey Brian. I have been on Celexa for about 2months now. Some of the side effects included jitteriness, slight palpitations and nervousness. I do feel that the efficacy of the drug is worth the initial side effects. I am on 20mgs per day. I take half in the AM and half in the PM. This got rid of the side effects. I don't have the anxiety or panic attacks, and things that used to bother me don't now. You will notice a demonstrable effect on libido; however, this latest for about 3 weeks and disappeared. My drive is back with a vengeance. Good luck. The alternatives such as MAO inhibitors and tricyclics don't appeal to me.
> I am surprised to hear your ill fortunes. From what I gathered from this discussion, Celexa causes sexual dysfunction and headaches. What other "goodies" await?

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by Al on August 10, 1999, at 19:54:40

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by mme_l on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:33

> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
> > >
> > > L
> >
> > L
> > I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.
> >
> > Jan
>
>
> I had the sexual side-effects for a month, but they subsided! I had to cut my dose down, though; matter of fact, it took me a long time to get used to the stuff. I started in small increments. I've been on the stuff for five months now, and no more problems. I feel great!
>
> Good luck to all!
>
> mme_l

I had virtually no side effects that I was aware of while taking it....but after reading these posts my memory has been awful!! I took it for about 8 months and was feeling much better so doc had me cut my dose in half for 2 weeks then stop and since I have stopped last week I can barely stand up I'm so dizzy & spacey....I feel like a junkie I just want to take some to feel better!!!I ran a red light the other night with my family in the car!!! VERY SCARY!! I'm sad to see I have several more weeks of this!!

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by dina on August 11, 1999, at 14:55:34

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Al on August 10, 1999, at 19:54:40

al- i know exactly what you're talking about, its very
frustrating going off AD's abruptly. the key is to
titrate down, slowly. sometimes just taking a celexa
when you're feeling really lousy, will offset the
side effects. i have also had success offsetting the
side effects with 5-htp. see my 6/30 post in this
thread.

i hope i was helpful. take care.
dina

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by dina on August 11, 1999, at 14:55:34

> It does take some time for the dizziness to subside, but it will go away. I have been off Celexa for a month now and all of the side effects seem to be out of my system.

Celexa did help me a lot during a low time...and now I seem to be okay. I hope people don't think this is an awful drug because it did help me.


 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by argyle on August 12, 1999, at 21:26:27

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

I'm on 20 mg, and went through about half of the listed symptoms for the first couple of weeks. The only(!) thing that stayed was the lack of sex drive (sigh). I've been on it for about 2 1/2 months now, and am getting some insomnia for the *first* time in my life. Go figure.
Overall, it seems to stabilize me. If I forget to take a dose, I start that slide back down in about 4 hours; this reverses within 45 minutes after taking a tab. Haven't had a problem with headaches, but caffeine may be superseding that.

Be well.

Argyle

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 13:47:21

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

> I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?

I felt the same way when I first started on Celexa two months ago. It lasted a few weeks, I took 10 mg. for two weeks then moved up to 20 mg.
Two months later I have no side affects. Hang in there, it does get better, If you can put up with it.

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 14:09:33

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 13:47:21

Alice do you truly have NO side effects -- no anhedonia, no sexual side effects, etc? If so congratulations!!! -- Anyone else reading this have a similar expereience of Celexa????

> > I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?
>
> I felt the same way when I first started on Celexa two months ago. It lasted a few weeks, I took 10 mg. for two weeks then moved up to 20 mg.
> Two months later I have no side affects. Hang in there, it does get better, If you can put up with it.

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 14:32:27

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???, posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 14:09:33

> Alice do you truly have NO side effects -- no anhedonia, no sexual side effects, etc? If so congratulations!!! -- Anyone else reading this have a similar expereience of Celexa????
>
dj.

Yes, I truely believe that I don't have any side affects. When I first started taking it it was hard to tell what was a side affect and what I was already feeling because of the depression and its symptoms. The physical symptoms that I experienced that were identical to side affects have subsided in me. Emotionally I still feel some depression, I am not fully recovered from depressed behaviors or thinking patterns. The medication is helping some with that, I am in therapy and I am working on trying to be a recovered person from depression. Celexa has helped me feel more in control or my behaviors that come from feelings I have a hard time identifying. So to answer your question, I don't believe I have any side affects, but has the drug "cured" me or all my depressed feelings completely? no. But I am working on that

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 17:56:34

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???, posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 14:32:27

Alice, is this your first experience with depressions and ADs? Whether it is or not all the best in closing the rest of the gap...

> > Yes,.... The physical symptoms that I experienced that were identical to side affects have subsided in me. Emotionally I still feel some depression, I am not fully recovered from depressed behaviors or thinking patterns. ...So to answer your question, I don't believe I have any side affects, but has the drug "cured" me or all my depressed feelings completely? no. But I am working on that

 

Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc...

Posted by dj on August 16, 1999, at 5:54:53

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

I took 10 mgs. last night and went to bed around 10.30. Woke around 2.30 with heart racing and adrenaline rush and have been up since, thouugh tired. Went to bed feeling down (which is why I decided to take another shot at Celexa after laying an initial run aside a couple of weeks after questioning the side effects). Strangely I awoke with a smile on -- good dream I guess -- though it quickly went away as fatigue set back in but sleep isn't coming only yawns and weariness...

My para-sympathetic system seens to be screwed with or without ADs. Often, hot when others are cool. Chilled when others are warm. Tired despire 6-8 hours sleep. Hard to figure which situation is worse....Both suck.

 

Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc...

Posted by christine on August 16, 1999, at 11:18:52

In reply to Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc..., posted by dj on August 16, 1999, at 5:54:53

> I took 10 mgs. last night and went to bed around 10.30. Woke around 2.30 with heart racing and adrenaline rush and have been up since, thouugh tired. Went to bed feeling down (which is why I decided to take another shot at Celexa after laying an initial run aside a couple of weeks after questioning the side effects). Strangely I awoke with a smile on -- good dream I guess -- though it quickly went away as fatigue set back in but sleep isn't coming only yawns and weariness...
>
> My para-sympathetic system seens to be screwed with or without ADs. Often, hot when others are cool. Chilled when others are warm. Tired despire 6-8 hours sleep. Hard to figure which situation is worse....Both suck.


I started on celexa 20mg for a week -5 weeks ago and then to celexa 40mg for the last 4 weeks. Side affects are perspriring when I do practically anything, hard to sleep, feel lethargic most of time. I do have a spurt of energy now and then for maybe a half a day.
My depression is better but I'm rarely comfortable with my thoughts. When I can't sleep, I have crummy thoughts -they just don't get me down as much.
I have been messing with ads for 15 yrs and this is almost too tough. I see my dr tomorrow -maybe I should try 20mg celexa a day instead of 40.
Any encouraging words out there or any other kind for that matter?

 

To DJ RE: Celexa.

Posted by RG on August 18, 1999, at 9:19:38

In reply to Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc..., posted by dj on August 16, 1999, at 5:54:53

DJ,
You wanted to know more about people's experience with celexa, well... I took it for 7-8 weeks and worked up to 40 mgs within 1 week. I honestly feel it did little or NOTHING for me. Anhedonia is something I am all too familiar with and now I am on zoloft with only slight benefits. Ugh.
>
RG

 

Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc...--Christine

Posted by Nell on August 20, 1999, at 16:00:08

In reply to Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc..., posted by christine on August 16, 1999, at 11:18:52

> I started on celexa 20mg for a week -5 weeks ago and then to celexa 40mg for the last 4 weeks. Side affects are perspriring when I do practically anything, hard to sleep, feel lethargic most of time. I do have a spurt of energy now and then for maybe a half a day.
> My depression is better but I'm rarely comfortable with my thoughts. When I can't sleep, I have crummy thoughts -they just don't get me down as much.
> I have been messing with ads for 15 yrs and this is almost too tough. I see my dr tomorrow -maybe I should try 20mg celexa a day instead of 40.
> Any encouraging words out there or any other kind for that matter?

Christine,

The main thing I can offer is that this list exists! I know that, for me anyhow, the past 30 minutes I've spent reading these postings are the happiest 30 min I've had in awhile. Thank you so much, all of you, for existing and for being so very kind. You give me hope!!

As for the Celexa, I've been taking it for almost 2 months (1st wk at 20mg/day). I was not doing well before. (What an understatement…) So, what I noticed first thing was that I could contemplate going out of my place, answering the phone, etc. I don't know if I had early side effects, because all I was aware of was that things were better. However, in the past week, I've been able to keep track, and I noticed I'm sleeping, at most, 4 hours a night. Usually much less. I'm not lethargic, but I sweat constantly, and I've started having leg cramps at night. Otherwise, life (thoughts, energy, tomorrow) seems much improved. I've taken ADs for ~6 yrs.

Peace, and stay safe,
Nell

 

Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc...

Posted by MA on August 22, 1999, at 17:24:41

In reply to Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc..., posted by dj on August 16, 1999, at 5:54:53

Have you had your thyroid hormones checked? Some of your symptoms sound like they may be related to an overactive thyroid.
Just a suggestion.

P.S. I took my first dose of Celexa last night and don't know what to think yet. I only took 10mg rather than 20 mg since I tend to react strongly to medications. I woke up frequently and had muscle twitches in my leg.
Since I have been on so many AD's. just stopped Welllbutin and Prozac 2 days ago, I am extremely uncertain about all of these medications. I have had such periods of apathy and sadness over the years it almost seems like too much to go through. I know why so many of you have stopped taking the meds. The meds can make your life either bearable or hellish,but trying to find the right med is a cruel process, at least it has been for me.

 

Re: 5-htp

Posted by Mike on August 28, 1999, at 8:41:47

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by dina on June 30, 1999, at 21:10:25

I hope this doesn't sound sadistic, but I am so
thrilled to find this site, because I thought I was
the only one going through the exact same things
that each of you are describing. Anyway, I have
seen several references to 5-htp to combat side
effect, but I don't know what it is. Can someone
give me some information? I am taking Zoloft right
now, but I was told that Celexa would be better for
the sexual dysfunction. In reading your listings,
it sounds like I would have the exact same problems
with Celexa that I'm having with Zoloft. Any information
on 5-htp or other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Re: 5-htp

Posted by mike on August 28, 1999, at 21:30:40

In reply to Re: 5-htp, posted by Mike on August 28, 1999, at 8:41:47

hi mike,

i too am new to this site and was curious about this 5htp. i looked it
up and it is a seed from a "medicine plant" in west africa. it is a herbal
drug and from the sounds of it, it helps with depression, anxiety and sleep-
lessness. from what i can gather, no sexual problems either. i have only
been on celexa for about 10 days and the result have been pretty dramatic.
i am not sleeing as well, my sex drive is down (which my husband is not too
thrilled with, and neither am i) i am retaining fluid and i am very sleepy after
taking it and yet i still wake up at night. i took prozac before and i even lost
weight on it, but i had zero sex drive and felt numb most of the time. i am going
to check at the health food store about this 5htp and maybe give it a try. best
wishes and stay well.

sheila


 

Re: Celexa

Posted by mme_l on September 10, 1999, at 12:17:18

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Al on August 10, 1999, at 19:54:40

Hi Al,

Sorry to hear about your problems - I went through something very similar when I got off effexor.

How are you feeling now?

L

 

Re: Celexa Side Effects

Posted by Leizel on February 9, 2004, at 13:30:40

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by mme_l on September 10, 1999, at 12:17:18

New to this board, but very happy to find you all!
I finally decided to go on AD in Oct 2003, when things got so bad emotionally I considered suicide. Thanks to therapy and Celexa, life has become a joy again.
However, some side effects I'm experiencing sound like what you are all discussing. Inability to have Org. (no problem with drive though...wouldn't you know it!).
My doc is so supportive, and carefully weaned me onto Celexa. Haven't tried any other ADs. Felt fine at 5mg per day, then up to 10mg per day. Now trying 15 mg per day. May return to 10mg since now am experiencing hot flushes all day long, disturbing sleep too.
However, complicating factors are
1) am low thyroid, under control, and levels checked recently, so feel that is not causing flushes.
2) Entered peri-menopause in June 2003 (after surgerical removal of one ovary with large cyst, no cancer though) and doc noticed other one "dried up". Am 50 now. Had severe hot flashes (they actually feel different from the flushes I'm now having) and went on very low dose (2 or 5mg??) of premarin, which seemed to get rid of hot flashes and I started sleeping again.
Believe I may be having some side effects of Celexa though: trouble sleeping (again!), memory loss, having trouble getting words out of my mouth at work that are accurate....think one thing and sometimes type or say another word. So odd. Anyone else had this experience?
If/when I go off the Celexa, will definitely wean it down slowly. But for now, it's a wonderful thing and I'm putting up with the side effects.
Thanks all....
Leizel


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